To improve your internet speed, you can change several settings within the Network & Internet section of your operating system. Here are some adjustments you can make:
Table of Contents
Windows
- Change DNS Server
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network and Sharing Center.
- Click on your network connection, then click Properties.
- Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
- Select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter preferred DNS servers like Google’s (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).
- Adjust Network Adapter Settings
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network and Sharing Center.
- Click on Change adapter settings.
- Right-click your active network adapter and select Properties.
- Click Configure, then go to the Advanced tab.
- Disable power-saving modes and other settings like Large Send Offload.
- Update Network Drivers
- Go to Device Manager.
- Expand the Network adapters section.
- Right-click your network adapter and select Update driver.
- Disable Background Apps
- Go to Settings > Privacy > Background apps.
- Turn off apps that you don’t need running in the background.
macOS
- Change DNS Server
- Go to System Preferences > Network.
- Select your network connection and click Advanced.
- Go to the DNS tab and click the + button to add DNS servers like Google’s (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).
- Update Network Settings
- Go to System Preferences > Network.
- Select your network connection and click Advanced.
- In the TCP/IP tab, ensure Configure IPv6 is set to Link-local only (if you don’t use IPv6).
- Renew DHCP Lease
- Go to System Preferences > Network.
- Select your network connection and click Advanced.
- In the TCP/IP tab, click Renew DHCP Lease.
General Router Settings
- Change Wi-Fi Channel
- Access your router’s settings by entering its IP address in a web browser (often 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
- Log in and go to the wireless settings section.
- Change the Wi-Fi channel to one that is less crowded (channels 1, 6, or 11 for 2.4 GHz networks).
- Enable Quality of Service (QoS)
- In the router’s settings, find the QoS section.
- Enable QoS and prioritize traffic for specific devices or applications.
- Update Router Firmware
- Check your router’s settings for firmware updates and apply any available updates.
- Adjust Wireless Security Settings
- Ensure you are using WPA2 or WPA3 security protocols for your Wi-Fi network to prevent unauthorized access.
By making these adjustments, you can often see a noticeable improvement in your internet speed and overall network performance.
Here are some steps to help you make your internet faster:
1. Check Your Internet Plan
- Ensure you are subscribed to a plan that offers sufficient speed for your needs. You can upgrade your plan if necessary.
2. Test Your Current Speed
- Use websites like Speedtest.net to check your current internet speed and compare it to the speed your ISP promises.
3. Optimize Router Placement
- Place your router in a central location, away from walls and obstructions.
- Elevate your router off the floor and avoid placing it near other electronic devices that can cause interference.
4. Update Firmware
- Make sure your router’s firmware is up to date. Manufacturers often release updates to improve performance and security.
5. Secure Your Network
- Protect your network with a strong password to prevent others from using your bandwidth.
6. Use a Wired Connection
- For critical devices (like a PC or gaming console), use an Ethernet cable to connect directly to the router.
7. Restart Your Router Regularly
- Reboot your router periodically to clear its cache and refresh its connection.
8. Limit Background Activities
- Close unused applications and browser tabs that might be using bandwidth.
- Disable automatic updates and cloud backups during periods when you need the maximum speed.
9. Upgrade Your Hardware
- Invest in a modern router that supports the latest Wi-Fi standards (like Wi-Fi 6).
- Consider using a mesh Wi-Fi system to extend coverage in larger homes.
10. Use a Quality-of-Service (QoS) Feature
- Many routers have QoS settings that prioritize bandwidth for specific devices or applications.
11. Scan for Malware
- Ensure your devices are free from malware, which can consume bandwidth and slow down your internet.
12. Contact Your ISP
- If you consistently experience slow speeds, contact your ISP to check if there are issues on their end or if they can offer a better plan.
13. Use Ad Blockers
- Ads can slow down your internet experience. Use ad blockers to reduce the load on your connection.
14. Reduce Connected Devices
- Limit the number of devices connected to your network, especially during peak usage times.
Implementing these tips can help you achieve faster and more reliable internet speeds.
HOW TO Make Your Internet Faster.. pic.twitter.com/MIoEqgm3jg
— 🇿🇦 Minister of GNU Monitoring 🇿🇦 (@OnlineScoops) July 31, 2024